A Spiraling Conundrum...
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2019 7:22 pm
A few years back (? 2012) Toyota issued a recall on the Fortuner D-4D for some airbag issue.
I wasn't sure if Fearless was affected, but I was told by other owners that I'd be contacted by TSA if it was.
Then, sometime later, I saw on the myToyota App that I had a recall.
I called Halfway Toyota NorthGate - they said I must stress it will be done at the next service.
A few months later Fearless was due for a service & I booked it in & asked them to do the recall - no problem.
When I collected the vehicle I asked if they did the airbag recall & the guy said no they were out of parts.
But he said it wasn't an issue, when the parts arrived they'd call me to bring it in - it takes less than an hour.
I later read on a 4x4 Forum that the recal had something to do with something called a Spiral Cable, but I didn't know what that was.
I forgot all about it, but a few weeks later the Customer Service lady called for Feedback _ I said all was good, except the recall.
She said she'd call me back - clearly no Toyota phones can make outgoing calls - she also never came back to me.
Months later I was due for another service. I called to book it in, the guy wanted my VIN, I said I don't have it.
He asked for my registration. I gave it to him, he hit the keyboard & said "Is this for the 70000km service?"
It was. Clearly he found me on the system. He asked if there was anything else, I said no, he then said "So its the service & the recall - I see it hasn't been done."
I said "Oh yes, they were supposed to do it last time." He assured me it was no issue.
On collecting I asked if the recall was done - the guy said no, you have no recall, you don't need one, your vehicle is not affected.
I was a bit confused, but thought that's great & got on with my life.
Now it's 2 or 3 years later, and I noticed my hooter doesn't always work. Finally someone says it's the Spiral Cable.
I then learn (from owners) that the recall was to replace the Spiral Cable.
I pop into Halfway Toyota NorthGate to ask what the situation is. The very helpful guys there tell me:
* No recall ever on Fearless.
* Spiral Cable had nothing to do with the recall whatsoever.
* They can replace my Spiral Cable, R7 044.00 - but he'll do it for R6 500.00.
The Spiral Cable runs from the steering down the steering column - it controls everything on the steering wheel;
* Remote buttons (which I never use - my arms are long enough to reach the dash).
* The hooter
* The airbag.
* Maybe the Cruiser Control.
All those things, except the Tooter, work...?
Now my questions;
1. Was the Spiral Cable part of the recall?
2. How come I was/wasn't/was/wasn't part of the recall?
3. Is there any way of getting this done for less that R6500 - that's a chunk o' change...
I've only got 115 000km & now I'm facing these massive issues (No Hooter) - I would have bought a lesser brand if I wanted hassles...
I wasn't sure if Fearless was affected, but I was told by other owners that I'd be contacted by TSA if it was.
Then, sometime later, I saw on the myToyota App that I had a recall.
I called Halfway Toyota NorthGate - they said I must stress it will be done at the next service.
A few months later Fearless was due for a service & I booked it in & asked them to do the recall - no problem.
When I collected the vehicle I asked if they did the airbag recall & the guy said no they were out of parts.
But he said it wasn't an issue, when the parts arrived they'd call me to bring it in - it takes less than an hour.
I later read on a 4x4 Forum that the recal had something to do with something called a Spiral Cable, but I didn't know what that was.
I forgot all about it, but a few weeks later the Customer Service lady called for Feedback _ I said all was good, except the recall.
She said she'd call me back - clearly no Toyota phones can make outgoing calls - she also never came back to me.
Months later I was due for another service. I called to book it in, the guy wanted my VIN, I said I don't have it.
He asked for my registration. I gave it to him, he hit the keyboard & said "Is this for the 70000km service?"
It was. Clearly he found me on the system. He asked if there was anything else, I said no, he then said "So its the service & the recall - I see it hasn't been done."
I said "Oh yes, they were supposed to do it last time." He assured me it was no issue.
On collecting I asked if the recall was done - the guy said no, you have no recall, you don't need one, your vehicle is not affected.
I was a bit confused, but thought that's great & got on with my life.
Now it's 2 or 3 years later, and I noticed my hooter doesn't always work. Finally someone says it's the Spiral Cable.
I then learn (from owners) that the recall was to replace the Spiral Cable.
I pop into Halfway Toyota NorthGate to ask what the situation is. The very helpful guys there tell me:
* No recall ever on Fearless.
* Spiral Cable had nothing to do with the recall whatsoever.
* They can replace my Spiral Cable, R7 044.00 - but he'll do it for R6 500.00.
The Spiral Cable runs from the steering down the steering column - it controls everything on the steering wheel;
* Remote buttons (which I never use - my arms are long enough to reach the dash).
* The hooter
* The airbag.
* Maybe the Cruiser Control.
All those things, except the Tooter, work...?
Now my questions;
1. Was the Spiral Cable part of the recall?
2. How come I was/wasn't/was/wasn't part of the recall?
3. Is there any way of getting this done for less that R6500 - that's a chunk o' change...
I've only got 115 000km & now I'm facing these massive issues (No Hooter) - I would have bought a lesser brand if I wanted hassles...
